What are you doing this summer?
Check out our rundown of what we're up to and tell us what you're into lately.
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Science says your voice has more power than you might think. The New York Times' Climate Fwd newsletter recently suggested one thing you can do to move things in a positive direction on climate change is to be a climate communicator. "'Family and friends are our most trusted source of information,' said Connie Roser-Renouf, an associate professor at George Mason University who specializes in science communication. 'Talking about what you do and giving people a sense that they can do to make a difference is extremely important.' ... 'Interpersonal communication is much more powerful than mass media information,' she said. 'It’s the people we talk to and care about that persuade us.'" So talk about climate. Share climate-related stories on social media. Invite your friends and family to get involved in climate activism. Your voice has power.
As you're out and about in the warm weather this summer, try to travel as sustainably as possible. Take public transportation, avoid flying, and share your travel whether in the form of piling friends into one car rather taking multiple cars or using shared resources like a Zipcar. Our partners at Zipcar are allowing our supporters to join for free and also receive $15 in credit to get you started this summer.
Got a green product, service, or initiative you want to get into people's hands? We're co-hosting the official closing event for Climate Week NYC this September! On Friday, September 27, we're putting together a Marketplace of the Future, featuring various technologies, products, and services that will shape the sustainable future we want to see. We'll also say goodbye to technologies of the past with a museum-like exhibition of the unsustainable products we hope will die once and for all (e.g., the plastic bag, the combustion engine). There are lots of opportunities for exhibitors, sponsors, and media or non-profit partners to get involved so get in touch for details. And mark your calendars to attend - tickets will be available soon!
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SPOILER ALERT: On a recent episode of HBO's Big Little Lies, Renata's daughter, Amabella, faints in class. When they rush her to the hospital, they learn that the cause of her fainting spell was overwhelming anxiety brought on by the dismal outlook on climate change. The plot point winds up being a comical but very real take on the fact that many people, including a lot of young people, are experiencing rising levels of anxiety over our looming ecological crises. Many news outlets and academics have looked at the issue of "eco anxiety" in recent years. One academic sums it up: “I totally understand why people might feel powerless in the face of climate change. It feels like anything you do is totally insignificant compared to the scale of the challenge we face. And it's true that political leaders and big businesses bear the bulk of the responsibility." However, he provides some tips for what individuals can do: “Firstly, make climate change a factor in the decisions you make around what you eat, how you travel, and what you buy. Secondly, talk about climate change with your friends, family and colleagues. [See above for advice about being a climate communicator.] Finally, demand that politicians and companies make it easier and cheaper to do the right thing for the climate.”
How about you?
What are you reading/watching/listening to? Anything you're into right now that you want to share? Reply to this e-mail with your climate, environment, conservation, etc. obsessions and we'll include them in upcoming updates to our supporters.